Changing Your Ships Name

Naming a boat can be fun and bring out creativity, and what about re-naming a secondhand boat; let’s look at what to look at!

It would be wise to not make a hasty decision that could cause regret latter; think of a title you can be proud of, easy to announce… something that speaks to you! Why not think of a favorite location, what sort of boat you have and the pleasure and adventure it will bring you!

What should you consider; Naming a Boat?

First think of security!

You don’t want a name that can be misinterpreted or difficult to pronounce when phoning it out on the emergency radio. Complicated spellings may also cause confusion, especially when you are using the phonetic alphabet to call the Coastguard at a crisis.

Think the feminine touch!

Boats are traditionally’she’s’ but you do not have to go overboard with this. A good deal of boats bear a women’s name, maybe something personal to the skipper. Too cute doesn’t generally work .

Avoiding Cliché’s

Some names are very common and you see them over different boats. When naming your vessel think outside the square and try to find something original, something personal and unique to your boat!

Re-Naming a Boat!

But what about if you have bought a boat and you don’t even like saying the title with a vengeance… It is so awful and improper it sticks in your throat when requested?

Nautical folklore is heavily wrapped up in superstitions! Among the most renowned superstitions is that in the event you re-name your boat it will anger the Gods of the sea, and will curse the ship with bad luck forever. What if you don’t like the title of a boat are you stuck with it?

Mythology says you can rename a ship without being cursed with bad luck as long as you undergo a special re-naming ceremony!

Superstition says renaming a boat is tantamount to defying the deities. According to myth, every boat’s name is listed in the Ledger of the Deep, which is Poseidon’s (the Greek god of the sea) personal record book. To actually change a boat’s name, you must purge its original name in the ledger.

Pour the champagne overboard to appease Neptune while splashing some on the boat hull. An option is to smash a bottle of champagne on the boat hull, so Neptune and the ship both get their appropriate portions.

Then, as you’re surrounded by family and friends, christen your boat as though it was the first time. This method is fraught with danger and heritage, and getting it right is a serious business. However, you should take the hints below with a huge pinch of (sea) salt!

Here’s a basic overview for you to follow;

• get rid of all traces of the old name. Obviously, only do so once you have officially changed the registration but don’t bring anything on board with the new name until this is done.
• Perform a ritual ceremony! See below.
• Offer a sacrifice – champagne is the standard but a tot of rum, wine red or white might suffice, don’t forget to have enough for you and your friends.
• Attach the new name when possible

“Oh mighty and excellent ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all boats and we who venture upon your vast domain are expected to pay homage, implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from the records and recollection the name (here insert the old title of your vessel) that has ceased to be a thing in your kingdom.

As proof , we publish this ingot bearing her name to be corrupted through your powers and forever be purged from the sea. (At this stage, the prepared metal label is dropped from the bow of the ship into the sea.)

In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (Pour at least half of the bottle of Champagne to the sea from East to West. The remainder may be passed among your guests.

Oh mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to give this worthy boat (Insert your boat’s new name) the advantages and pleasures of your own school, ensuring us of your gentle ministration based on our requirements.

Great Boreas, exalted ruler of the North Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavours, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your frigid breath.

(Facing west, pour the same amount of Champagne and fling to the West while intoning. Great Zephyrus, exalted ruler of the West Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavours, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your crazy breath.

(Facing east, repeat and fling into the East.) Terrific Eurus, exalted ruler of the East Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavours, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your powerful breath.

(Facing south, repeat, flinging into the South.)

Oh! Neptune, you spirit God of seas great and small, on this particular boat, by your grace, let these sons and daughters all, to pass from port of hailing to their port of call, and on these sailing subjects create your gentle blessings fall.

“You who cause the seas to lie or anger in sweet repose, please list to we mariners here, your servants of those flows. This boat, the captain, the crew and all those who love the wind and seas – will follow where thee goes.”

It’s entirely up to you! Do people actually do it; an absolute yes! Tongue in cheek or for a bit of fun with this service, traditional words and a few fantastic wildlife removal services! If nothing else it’s a fantastic excuse for a celebration!!